Katie was part of the cool art crowd at my high school (Notre Dame), a couple years ahead of me. Every day at lunch, I’d glance over to see what these hipper-than-thou girls had going on… and then promptly beg my mom to take me shopping for it. Today, Katie has mostly outgrown her teen angst, but fashion remains close to her heart.
You’re a graphic designer, you know how to edit your outfits between boring and artfully restrained. What is the difference?
The way I dress is mostly minimal and casual, with one or two accents. To me, clothing is boring if it lacks expression — which doesn’t need to be loud, just somewhat personal. If I’m ‘editing’ an outfit, I’m usually removing something and opting for simplicity.
You use accessories to inject a bit of humor into your ensembles. What’s your go-to item?
A scarf with excess fabric that can be draped around comfortably. Maybe because it feels like a very weak-armed person hugging me?
Please tell us a bit about the power of the right tortoise shell frames. Where’d you find yours?
Tortoise shell is classic! I remember wearing tortoise shell barrettes when I was little. It’s warm and organic and that appeals to me. I pulled from that foundation and chose an updated style. My frames are from the Optical Shop.
What do you think is missing from the Toledo retail landscape?
There is obviously a Boutique-by-Jordan-Killam-shaped hole. (Writer’s note: Flattery will get you everywhere, Katie!)
That said, how do you find all your amazing stuff?
I’ll wander through thrift stores, mostly for shoes. Ann Arbor is fun for shopping. Totokaelo (totokaelo.com) is one of my go-to sources of inspiration; also Hackwith Design House (hackwithdesignhouse.com) is simple and lovely.
